Marine Corps Reserve

[TobyMAG]

Could any of you Marines tell about the Marine Corps Reserve?

Basically, I would like to know what life is like as a reservist.

-Does a Reserve Marine get the same MOS options as an active duty Marine?
-Do reservists see as much action as active duty Marines?
-Is it normal for a reserve unit to be called into action?
-From what i understand, A reservist is in the corps for 8 years total. Could I be in the reserve for only 4 years while I go to school and then switch the last 4 years to an active duty career?


Basically I want to serve in the Marine Corps while also taking into consideration my future by going to school (not that the Marine Corps isn't an appealing/possible future). So any information or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-Tim

[rvillac2]

-Does a Reserve Marine get the same MOS options as an active duty Marine?
Not exactly. There is a Reserve component for almost every enlisted MOS. However, the Reserve unit that you will be assigned to will dictate what MOS's are available to you.
For example:
You cannot enlist as a Forward Observer in Wisconsin since their units are in Florida and California.
You cannot have an Air Wing MOS unless there's a Reserve Squadron in your area.

-Do reservists see as much action as active duty Marines?
Not even close.

-Is it normal for a reserve unit to be called into action?
At this pace, every Reserve unit will rotate into active duty. Whether it's "action" or not is questionable.


-From what i understand, A reservist is in the corps for 8 years total. Could I be in the reserve for only 4 years while I go to school and then switch the last 4 years to an active duty career?

Standard Reserve contract is 6x2, 6 years Select (report for duty 1 weekend/month plus 2 weeks/year) and 2 years IRR (no report for duty but subject to involuntary recall). It is possible but sometimes difficult to augment from Reserve to Active duty. They may let you in but you will almost certainly lose rank when transferring.
Don't plan on finishing school in 4 years. Even full time students don't do that anymore. A Reservist today is likely to go on involuntary active duty at least once in that 4 years.


Basically I want to serve in the Marine Corps while also taking into consideration my future by going to school (not that the Marine Corps isn't an appealing/possible future). So any information or comments would be appreciated.

Joining the Reserve because you want to serve is fine. Keep in mind that if you love the Corps, you'll wish you went straight into Active Duty.

[Covey_Rider]

Can't really add anything else to that. Pretty much every single reservist that I know wishes that they had gone active duty. Active and Reserves are two completely different worlds. If you want to full experience of the Corps then I would suggest going active. Besides that all that you'll really get to know about the Corps is what you experience in schools.

[davblay]

Like the Brand New Corporal said, there ain't no comparison to active and reserves. The reserves are (pardon the expression) just like the National Guard as far as drilling and annual training. The Corps has to be experienced, not read about. You will never know the routine of the Corps while serving in the Reserves. Life is completely different.

[Alphaonethree]

I think we should vote on it. ( GO ACTIVE ) You can still take classes at night. You will regret being a weekend warrier.

[TobyMAG]

Thanks alot. I appreciate your input.